Monday, August 18, 2025

Inspiration

Inspiration is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's the spark that ignites passion, fuels motivation and propels individuals to pursue dreams. It has the ability to touch our hearts and minds, motivating us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world.


Inspiration can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. It can fuel creativity, encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas.


Inspiration can motivate individuals to take action, pursue passions and work towards their goals. It boosts confidence, helping individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities. It can create a sense of connection and community, bringing people together around a shared purpose or passion.


Inspiration can come from a variety of sources. Role models inspire us with their achievements and vision. The beauty and wonder of nature can inspire us to appreciate the world around us and strive for sustainability.


When we're inspired, we're more likely to inspire others. This creates a ripple effect, where inspiration spreads and has a positive impact on those around us. By sharing our passions, ideas, and experiences, we can inspire others to pursue their own dreams and make a difference.


Inspiration turns dark to light

Ideas & action will surely delight


~ Pravin K Sabnis

Monday, August 11, 2025

One Hand Clap


A monk asked a Zen master, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master responded with silence.

The monk asked again, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master replied, "You are not listening to the sound of one hand clapping. You are listening to your own thoughts."


This Zen koan highlights the limitations of language and our tendency to think in dualistic terms. It encourages us to move beyond conceptual thinking and experience reality directly.

The sound of one hand clapping represents the paradox of trying to capture reality in words. It's a call to look beyond the surface level and explore the depths of our own minds.

One hand clap is silent despite the might

But inner joy will surely shine with delight!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

Monday, August 4, 2025

Country First

Samraat Clubs across Goa are set to celebrate ‘Country First Week’ from 9 to 15 August to inculcate the spirit of patriotism. Yesterday a program was held to kick-off the event. State level ‘Country First Awards’ were presented to firebrand freedom fighter, Rohidas Dessai & Nehru Yuvak Kendra represented by its dynamic official, Kalidas Ghatwal.

Both the awardees made rousing speeches to prioritize the well-being, interests and development of one's country above personal or individual interests. They spoke about the need for accountability in governance as well as fulfilling of responsibilities by all citizens. They insisted that courage has to combine with conviction.

 

‘Country First’ promotes a mindset that prioritizes unity, civic responsibility and pride in our kinship as countrymen. We must take ownership of our actions and their impact on the country. We must embrace diversity and working together for the country's progress. All this calls for selflessness and sacrificing personal gains for the greater good.

 

The action approach must include civic engagement and active participation in participatory processes. We must commit to community service and finding innovative 

solutions to emerging challenges. Most importantly, the motto of Country First must not be an occasional emotion but a consistent and persistent value system.

 

May ‘Country First’ be a guiding light

As a responsibility to do what is right!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis


 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

 

 

Monday, July 28, 2025

Shinrin-yoku

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature, to promote well-being. It involves engaging with the forest atmosphere using all our senses to reduce stress and improve overall health. It is not about strenuous exercise or hiking, but rather about mindful relaxation and connecting with nature. 

 

Shinrin-yoku encourages mindful observation of the forest environment, paying attention to sounds like birdsong or rustling leaves, the textures of bark and moss, the smells of damp earth and wood, and the visual beauty of the trees and sunlight. 

 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature, can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, and improve mood and overall well-being. It's not about physical exertion but rather about slowing down, being present in the moment, and consciously connecting with the natural surroundings. 

 

Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan in the 1980s as a national health program to help stressed out workers. It gained popularity across the world, as a way to promote mental and physical health. Shinrin-yoku can have a positive impact on various health conditions, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and even boosting the immune system. 

 

Take time out when you can in a forest so fine,

Shinrin-yoku will make peaceful calm entwine!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse 

Monday, July 21, 2025

COMMITMENT

An archer dedicated herself to mastering her skill, spending hours practicing her technique. Despite facing setbacks, injuries and self-doubt, she remained committed. She would wake up early morning to practice, rain or shine, summer or winter.

Years of consistent training paid off when she took her position, drew her bow, and released the arrow. It hit the bullseye. Henceforth, she could do it many more times to be confirmed as an achiever.

 

Commitment is about being fully dedicated to our goals and values. Perseverance aids in overcoming obstacles and staying focused despite challenges. Commitment gives mental strength to overcome doubts and nerves.

 

Commitment is not just about wanting to achieve something; it's about being willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Consistency is key for commitment to lead to success.

 

Stick to your goal, do all that is right,

Commitment brings success in sight!

 

Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

Monday, July 14, 2025

Involve to Evolve


‘Involve’ and ‘evolve’ are two distinct concepts. Involve refers to participation or engagement in an activity or situation. Evolve refers to the gradual development or change of something over time. Involve is about immediate action while evolve happens over a period

 

However, there is a connection too. Those who involve in something, are likely to show transformations and evolve. Those who participate are most likely to display distinct changes. Hence when we involve, we will eventually evolve.

 

Evolution is a process of growth based on various experiences based on the involvement born out of initiatives by a person. Hence we must proactively involve in positive actions that will lead to progressive evolutions and desired results.

 

Involve and evolve are intertwined

Together they make progress shine

 

Pravin K Sabnis

 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

Monday, July 7, 2025

Useless Tree

In the parable of the "Useless Tree" Hui Tzu said to philosopher, Chuang Tzu: The trunk, of the tree in my garden, is so bent and knotty that nobody can get a good straight plank out of it.The branches are so crooked you can't cut them up in any way that makes sense. No carpenter will even look at it. Such is your teaching, Chuang - big and useless.


Chuang Tzu replied: 
No use? Then plant it in the wasteland. Walk idly around it and rest under its shadow. No axe or saw prepares its end. No one will ever cut it down. Useless?

The
 large, gnarled tree stood unharmed because its twisted trunk and branches make it unsuitable for lumber. The tree's "uselessness" allows it to live a long and peaceful life.

 

The story highlights themes of non-action, embracing one's natural purpose, rather than forcing oneself to fit societal expectations. Sometimes, being "useless" can be beneficial, allowing one to avoid unnecessary stress, expectations, or exploitation.

 

This parable encourages us to rethink traditional notions of value and purpose, embracing the idea that being different or unconventional can be a strength.

 

Deemed useless was a tree, twisted with its fate to engage,

It stood free in wild harmony, its uniqueness its own stage.

 

Pravin K Sabnis

 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse